SCOTTSDALE — There will be a popular veteran returning from neck surgery making news day.

Alas, it’s not Peyton Manning. Ladies and gentleman (or those three relatives not reading First and Orange blog), we present to you third baseman Casey Blake.

Blake will be playing for the first time in eight days. He has roughly two weeks to show the Rockies he can be productive and healthy. His $2 million contract is only guaranteed if he’s on the opening day roster.

The Rockies also made a minor roster move. Outfielder Jamie Hoffman took his outright and became a free agent today, according to a source. Colorado liked him over the winter, believing he had a shot to make the team out of camp. But he was slowed by an illness contracted in winterball, and struggled in the early games.